2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Review

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 2011 is one of the last of his career. Gone are the days of cheap, front-wheel drive sports coupe from Japan, like the Acura RSX, Honda Prelude and Toyota Celica. Tastes have changed and corporate priorities have changed. Today, there was a resurgence of inexpensive fun cars, but most belong to the hot hatch genre. But for those who laugh a trap stupid and miss the old days of sports coupe, the Eclipse 2011 is a nice relic. It is also one of the few convertibles your price range.

From the moment it was introduced four years ago, the Eclipse coupe and convertible Spyder current differs mainly because of their outrageous style, highlighted by a deeply raked windshield, a beltline tilted forward and a round, curvaceous rear end. A smart key is spoiler GS models transparent background, while the GT can be equipped with a funky two-tone interior, reminiscent of a Creamsicle.

Unfortunately, however, especially when it is desirable ends Eclipse. Its standard four-cylinder will not move the heavy coupe and cabriolet with a semblance of authority and its fuel economy is not particularly impressive. The big V6 found in the GT boasts robust power but overwhelms the front wheels with torque. Eclipse coupe handling is also far from the Chevrolet Cobalt SS and the Honda Civic Si (coupe other relics) or hot hatches such as Mazda Speed ​​3, Mini Cooper S and VW GTI.

Eclipse is nice to look inside, but on closer inspection there are unpleasant stuff. The common characteristics, such as the telescoping steering wheel, rear seat headrests and navigation system is not available, and there is also much less rear-seat space that most of its competitors.

Of the two, the Eclipse Spyder models are more attractive of the two simply because there is not much competition. Those same price (Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, VW Eos) are radically different types of drop-top. We think they are all worth watching.

What a coupe, as we remember the Good Old Days Mitsubishi Eclipse, version of 2011, but an interesting player in the former shell of himself. There would be difficulty in choosing one rather than the Civic and Cobalt SS is, or a rear-wheel drive Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. If you care about the price of fuel more efficient and low, Kia Forte Scion tC coupe and based on alternatives as well. Also, do not so quickly dismiss those hot hatches. Times have changed, and affordable sports cars are developed. Eclipse can be a pleasant memory, but it is a relic, though.

body types, levels of output and settings

2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available in two body styles: coupe and convertible Spyder. Both people four people are available in Sport GS and GT, while the GS Coupe adds a base plate.

GS is a 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, keyless entry, cruise control, full power accessories, tilt, only the steering wheel, driver lumbar adjustment, 50/50 split rear seat and six speaker audio system with CD player. GS Sport adds xenon headlights, fog lights, sunroof, power heated mirrors, heated leather seats, power driver seat, six way, Bluetooth and a nine speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, auxiliary audio jack and steering wheel controls. Spyder convertible roof includes a power supply. GT adds standard V6 engine, a larger rear brakes, a larger rear stabilizer bar, large rear spoiler (coupe only) and automatic air-conditioning. There are no meaningful alternatives to the factory, even if the iPod adapter is one of several dealer-installed accessories.

Powertrain & Performance

Every 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a front-wheel drive. The GS models are powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 162 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. GS is a five-speed manual transmission, while the four-speed automatic is optional for the GS and standard on the Sport GS. Estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway cars and 23 mpg one.

The Eclipse GT gets a 3.6-liter V6 with 265 horsepower and 262 lb good-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. This engine requires premium fuel and its fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

Security

2011-Mitsubishi Eclipse comes standard with four-wheel antilock brakes, stability control and side airbags front seat. Cup characterized by a front airbags and side curtain side airbags Spyder receives more than cover the heads of people. There are no rear headrests. Eclipse Spyder has received the Insurance Institute for best score of the Road Safety "good" in both frontal-offset tests and side impact.

Design and Special Features

Eclipse cabin is both elegant and simple, thanks to a sweeping dashboard and chrome-rimmed gauges attractive with cool blue backlight. Unfortunately, this modern gay is tempered by the use of certain plastic materials of inferior quality and a steering wheel that telescopes. The front seats are sturdy and supportive, but the rear seat upright is no headrest and provides no flexibility (especially with the tailgate inclined cutting). The hatchback design offers to provide some additional equipment, but that makes 50/50-split-folding back.

The Spyder features a soft top convertible with three layers. Losing It is a breeze. Release header latches, press a button and the summit itself fits under the hood fixes in 19 seconds and it goes up just as quickly. Unfortunately, this design severely restricts rearward vision with the hood and limits trunk space to only 5.2 cubic feet.

Driving Impressions

For many drivers, the dynamics driving the 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse might be a bit of a disappointment. GT V6 produces a lot of power, but to get all the horses on the pavement can often lead to a high dose of skating and torque. Unlike V6, struggling four-cylinder with a heavy Eclipse - less engine acceleration can be described as anemic.

Another point of discord is the great turning radius, which requires much more multi-point being that the other vehicles. The overall management should satisfy most drivers, but those with a taste for performance will probably find inspiration in a number of competitors or sports coupe hatchback. The Spyder will be on a frame a little softer over the bumps that we would like, but not enough to ruin an otherwise enjoyable driving.